Congratulations

Mrs Juliana Nkruma, honoured as a Living Legend Award recipient at our 2012 National Awards event is now a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) recipient.

Join us in congratulating Juliana, a Ghanaian-Australian, who was awarded the Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community, particularly the welfare of women and refugees. This acknowledgement was announced on Saturday 26th of January 2013 by the Governor-General of Australia.

Recipients of the Order of Australia are from many fields of endeavour and all walks of life and are awarded for service worthy of particular meritorious recognition and pre-eminence.

Juliana's services to the community include:

Active Women's Advocate, since 1989, particularly through the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Chairperson, Australian National Committee on Refugee Women, 1993-1994, 2002-2004 and 2005-2007; Co-Founder, African Women's Advocacy Unit, 2005-2010.
Member, Multicultural Ministries Reference Group, NSW Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia, 2010-2012.
Board Member, Institute for Cultural Diversity, since 2009.
Member, Women's Steering Committee, Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia.
Former Executive Committee Member, Ethnic Communities Council of NSW.
Member, Federal Government's African Ministerial Consultative Committee, since 2012.
Initiator and Convenor, National Conference to mark the International Year for People of African Descent, 2011.
Co-Founder and Adviser, African Women Australia, since 2010.
Member, Reference Group, Australian Human Rights Commission's Research into Racism against African Communities, In Our Own Words, 2010.
Project Team Leader, African Liaison Unit, Centrelink, 2006.
Established, African Workers Network, Sydney, 2004.
First Women's Representative, African Communities Council of NSW, 1993-1995.
Former Member, Nepean/Blacktown Regional Advisory Council, Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW, for 2 terms.
Former Management Committee Member, Blacktown and Auburn Migrant Resource Centre.
Member, National Steering Committee, Living in Harmony Partnership Project, Family Law Court of Australia and Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
Co-Founder and former Adviser, Sierra Leone Women's War Word Inc.
Former Adviser, Friends of Sierra Leone Inc.
Member, Australian Citizenship Test Review Committee, 2008.
Coordinator, Multicultural Community Liaison Officer Program, NSW Police, since 2008; also served as Member, Police Commissioner's Committee on Responsive Policing.
Assistant Manager, Refugee and Network Support Team, Multicultural Services Branch, Centrelink, 2006-2008.
Coordinator, New South Wales Education Program on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Western Sydney Area Health Service, 1996-2005.
Convenor, first National Conference on FGM.
Community Educator, Ethnic Affairs Commission, 1995-1996.
Publicist and Fundraiser, International Women's Development Agency, 1992-1993.
Welfare Worker, Surry Hills and Marrickville Offices, Care Force, 1988-1992.
Awards/recognition include:
Profiled in Wendy McCarthy's book A Fair Go, Portraits of the Australian Dream: 50 Inspiring Australians.
Profiled in the Westpac Group's publication The Power of 100: One Hundred Women who have shaped Australia; and the subsequent film Shaping a Nation, 2011.
Community Personality of the Year, African Professionals Association, NSW, 2012.
'Living Legends' Award, Celebration of African Australians Inc, 2012.
Excellence Award in Community Services, African Chamber of Commerce, SA Inc, 2011.
Women of the West Award, University of Western Sydney, 2007.
Ambassador, The Salvation Army, since 2011.

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Congratulations to iconic African-Australian doctors and medical scientists providing world class medicare to the Australian community.

Some of the Medical professionals below are among the '100 most influential African-Australians" honoured at our National Awards event that took place at the Sydney Opera House on the 25th of August 2012.

Dr. Khaled El-Sheikh, an Egyptian-Australian, has been named as an Executive of the Year by Stanford Who's Who as a result of his phenomenal professional career. In his position as Founder and CEO of the Tristar Medical Group, Dr. El-Sheikh has routinely performed at an extraordinary level while displaying the leadership and professionalism required to be considered among the elite.

Tristar Medical Group, owned by Khaled, was the Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award winner in 2011 and provides quality, affordable, and accessible health care to under-doctored communities. Since commencing business from a solo general practice in Warracknabeal, TMG now has 29 clinics throughout regional and rural Australia with a staff of 90 GPs, 20 full-time practice nurses and 140 support staff. They are active in the communities they operate in and provide financial and in-kind support to many local organisations. Each clinic bulk bills and is open seven days a week with an after-hours consultation service.

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Professor Abd Malak, AM

Egyptian-Australian

Director, Diversity Health Institute
Professor Abd Malak has been working in the field of health, mental health and social welfare for the last 30 years. His career has encompassed the areas of service provision, policy, planning and management.

Abd has written and published in the areas of mental health, suicide, cross-cultural work, management and social justice. Throughout his career Abd has been a passionate social justice and human rights advocate.

He has also spear-headed the development of leading state and national initiatives, for example, Multicultural Mental Health Australia, Diversity Health Institute and Global Health Institute as well as, the implementation of the Integrated Health Care Cluster in Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS), which includes Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol, Community Health, NGO Grants, Primary Health Care and other statewide services.

Between 2005-2011 Abd held the position of Executive Director, Workforce and Organisational Development in Sydney West Area Health Service (servicing 1.5 million, $2 million budget and approximately 20 000 staff). In this role he was responsible for workforce: planning, development, recruitment and retention, in addition to organisational redesign, innovation and reform.

Abd is also the Convenor of the Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO).

In 2002 Abd was honoured to be included in the Australian Honours List as a Member in the Order Of Australia for his service to migrant communities.

Prof Malak holds appointments in the School of Medicine at the University of Western Sydney and University of Notre Dame Australia.

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Dr Uchechukwu Foster Onwuchekwa is a lecturer at Spencer Gulf Rural Health School with the School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, University of Adelaide.

Dr Onwuchekwa is responsible for supporting and teaching students, including through use of structured tutorials and supervised attachments, for students who are in year 4-6 and are on rural placement.

In addition, every year, Dr Onwuchekwa is involved in supervision of students on rural medical attachment to Central Clinic under the James Cook University Medical School placement programs.

Dr Onwuchekwa is also the Practice Manager at Central Clinic, Port Pirie and an examiner for the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) from 2005 to present date. As an Examiner for RACGP, Dr Onwuchekwa helps to inject rural input into the medical exam conduct. He is among specialist examiners overseeing would be Graduating GP specialist across Australia in medical exams conducted twice yearly.

Dr Onwuchekwa was appointed the lead Mentor and representative for South Australian (one of the 11 lead mentors, selected nationally), in the RACGP pilot program for mentoring International Medical Graduates, who arrive in, or are already working in Australia, towards achieving a smooth transition to practice medicine in Australia .

In addition to the foregoing activities, he provides clinical duties as General Practitioner, and also supports the Port Pirie hospital where he has inpatient admission rights, as one of the doctors to deliver Emergency /Trauma medicine cover in its on call arrangements.

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Dr Ayman Shenouda

Ayman commenced his medical career in Australia as a surgical registrar in Tasmania in 1995. With a masters degree in surgery from Cairo University, he moved to Wagga Wagga in 2000 working as a GP. Ayman is a Fellow of RACGP (2003) and also completed a diploma of dermatology at the University of Wales, United Kingdom.

Ayman and his wife are the founders and the principle doctors of the Glenrock Country Practice which in 2007 was awarded General Practice of the year NSW/ACT by RACGP. It has also been awarded the AGPAL Quality and Safety practice of the year and the consumer participation award in 2010.

In 2009 Ayman was awarded RACGP GP of the year. He is the former Director of Medical Education CCCT Riverina/Murrumbidgee and former Director on the board of the Riverina Division of general practice and primary health. Ayman is currently a board member of the NSW faculty board and the deputy chair of the National Rural Faculty board.

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Dr Seka Kiyingi

MB ChB (Makerere)

PhD (Univ of Sydney)
FRACGP
Family Medical Doctor and Pharmacologist

Kikuttobudde Sekkadde Kiyingi (Dr Seka Kiyingi), born and bred in Uganda, is currently a full-time Medical Practitioner at My Family Doctors at Urban Quarter, Townsville, Australia. He has a special interest in Asthma, a medical condition he has researched extensively here in Australia and Papua New Guinea. He sits on the Quality Use of Medicines committee of the Townsville and Mackay Division of Health Practitioners. He is a part-time clinical instructor for James Cook University School of Medicine.

Dr Seka Kiyingi is the author of “Kiyingi Roots” and its Luganda language version “Olulyo Lwa Kiyingi”, a book that is a genealogical account of the Kiyingi extended family, a typical average family in Uganda, but more specifically a biography of the family patriarch Paulo Kikwanguyira Kiyingi (PK), a man of humble origins who was educated and groomed in a British school system and employed in a colonial civil service in the early to mid-1900s, but who rose up to champion the cause and voice of his people during the British colonial occupation of his motherland country Uganda. That book exemplifies one of the ways we can recognise the role played by our parents in our lives, as well as recognise, trace and document our origins and history through family trees for our own benefit and the benefit of our children, grandchildren and future generations.

Dr Seka Kiyingi was the Foundation President of The African Association of Townsville – Hakuna Matata, in 2005. He has remained an active member and convenor of several African Programs in Townsville. He has a special interest in the health of new migrants into Australia, especially those coming from Africa under the Human Resettlement Program. He has contributed greatly to promoting Africa and her cultures in Australia as well as the Oneness of Africans in the Townsville region.

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Professor Pascale Allotey has professional training in public health, epidemio- logy and medical anthropology. Her research has focused on marginalized populations and the effects of marginalizing factors on health. Prof. Allotey has published widely including books, book chapters, commissioned reviews and peer reviewed publications in areas mentioned earlier. Currently, Prof. Allotey is the Associate Director of MIGHI Malaysia and Professor of Public Health at Monash University Sunway campus. She is also a co-principal investigator on the Wellcome Trust Grant for capacity building into diseases of poverty in West Africa.

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A /Professor André M.N. Renzaho, PhD, MPH

Originally from the Democ- ratic Republic of Congo, his current positions include:

Director: Migration, Social Disadvantage, and Health Programs at Monash University;

Executive Director: African Leadership, Learning and Advocacy Group Inc , and

Senior Fellow: Burnet Institute.

He has previously worked with: the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Concern World Wide, Care Australia, Médecins Sans Frontières, and World Vision International; covering sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

Awards and Recognition:

ARC Future Fellowship award (2012)
Heart Foundation CDA award (2011)
Ministerial appointment: Dental Practice Board of Victoria (2008-2010);
International recognition: Who's Who in the World, 2008 Edition for demonstrating outstanding achievement in refugee health and for contributing significantly to the betterment of contemporary society;
Appointment: Deakin University Human Ethics Advisory Group as well as the Faculty of Health Equity and Diversity Committee (2008-2011);
Growing Research Together award, Deakin University (2008);
Approved contractor: New Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency (2004-2011);
Ian Potter Foundation award (2002),
Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society award (2002)

Advisory committee memberships (or convener) and Expert Panel

* National Health and Medical Research Council’s Postdoctoral Reference Group (2012-);

* World Vision Australia’s AusAID NGO Cooperation Programs Review Committee (2004-2007);

* World Vision International and Canadian International Development Agency Micronutrient and Health Taskforce (2004-2007);

* Nutrition in Culturally Diverse Communities by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing and Eat Well Victoria Partnership (2003);

* Refugee Health Service Model review committee by the Department of Human Services and Western Region Health Centre (2001-2001)

* Refugees and Humanitarian Entrants Research Strategy by the Department of Human Services and the Centre for Culture Ethnicity and Health (2001-2002)

* Partners in Culturally Appropriate Aged Care steering committee by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services (2002)

* Healthy Eating Communication Strategy-Filling the Gap by Department of Human Services and Royal Children Hospital (2001-2002)

* Maternal and Child Health and Preschool Services Linkage by Department of Human Services (2001-2002)

Editorial board membership

The Journal of Internal Displacement;
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
The Health Services Insights Journal
The Open Tropical Medicine Journal

Research outputs

Three authoritative books (published in New York)
More than 100 papers in high impact journals (IF>2.0)
Attracted more than $4 million in national competitive grants
Regularly writes opinion pieces for the Age, Herald Sydney Morning, and Tasmania Times on African affairs
Supervised to completion five postgraduate students

Advocacy success

Embarked on a case against channel 7, 9 and 10 under the “respect for African Australians” slogan with success. ACMA ruled that each of the licensees breached clause 4.3.1 (present factual material accurately) and that ATV Melbourne (Channel 10) and GTV Melbourne (channel 9) also breached clause 4.4.1 (present news fairly and impartially) of the Commercial Industry Code of Practice 2004.

Successful media forum “Spotlight on Stereotypes: Multicultural Communities and the Media’ on 13 May 2010 in collaboration with the Ethnic Community Council of Victoria

Success with the Migrant Women Leadership and Mentoring programs, with 10 women graduating from the program ( funded by the then Brumby Victorian government)

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Dr Paul A. Iji, a Nigerian by birth, is an Associate Professor of Poultry Science and the Postgraduate Coordinator of the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England (UNE), Armidale, Australia.

Dr Iji studied in Nigeria, Scotland and Australia. He worked at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria for 12 years and also in South Africa before returning to Australia. In the mid-1990s, while studying for his PhD, he was a Representative of the Association of Nigerians Abroad (ANA) in the Oceania region and an official of the Nigerian Association in South Australia.

On obtaining his PhD, he took up appointment at the University of Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal) and also worked at the University of Pretoria and Central University of Technology, South Africa over a period of about six years. He was a founding member and first President of the Nigerian Association in KwaZulu-Natal. He returned to Australia about 7 years ago to take up his present position at UNE and is currently leading the formation of the African Association in New England.

Dr Iji heads one of the few groups in the world investigating gastrointestinal function in poultry and other farm animals. He has supervised and graduated nine PhD students, and currently supervises several postgraduate students, in addition to his teaching and coordinating commitments.

Dr Iji is the author of a research book, Writing and Publishing Your Research and a children’s book, A Guide for Young Africans Growing up Overseas, both available through Amazon. He has also published 5 book chapters, and close to 200 journal and conference papers.

Dr Iji has been an invited Speaker at 15 international conferences in Australia, Africa, Europe and Asia. He is an excellent mentor of students and has presented seminars on study and writing skills to students in Australia, Nigeria and New Zealand. He is an Associate Editor of six scientific journals, and also reviews articles for many other animal science journals.

Until recently, Dr Iji was the New England regional Chairman of the World’s Poultry Science Association; is a Registered Animal Nutritionist, and Member of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science; Nutrition Society of Australia, and Australian Society of Animal Production, among other professional societies. Dr Iji was recently offered a one-year fellowship by the Nigerian Universities Commission, to spend sabbatical leave in universities in Nigeria.

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Dr Stephen Omifolaji

Stephen graduated in Oct 1990 with MBBS from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and has been practicing as a GP since that time.

Stephen moved to South Africa in 1995, where he enrolled in Masters degree program in Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Subsequently Stephen obtained his GP fellowship, the MCFP(SA) from the college of Medicine, South Africa in 1999.

Stephen and his family moved to Australia in 2000, 1st practicing in Queensland, undertook further studies and obtained his Australian GP fellowship (FRACGP), in 2003.

Stephen joined the Breed street clinic in 2002 and has remained with this practice since then.

Stephen's medical interest covers the whole spectrum of general practice, in particular, the psychological problems, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, care of the elderly and occupational health care in General Practice.

Stephen provides GP occupational health care for the staff of several large employers in the Latrobe Valley.

Stephen also regularly visits the local aged care and residential facilities to care for residents..

Stephen lives with his wife Bukky and three children: Jennifer, Victor and Maryanne in Traralgon and his hobies are soccer, table tennis and bicycle riding.

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Dr AnnetteOsei-Kumah completed her undergraduate and PhD studies at the University of Newcastle, NSW. She started her career at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research institute, Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto Canada. In 2008, Dr Osei-Kumah returned to Australia and joined the University of Adelaide. She is currently based at the Robinson Institute, Lyell McEwin Hospital. She was recently awarded the prestigious Inaugural Florey Early Career Research Fellow named in honour of Nobel Prize winner and University of Adelaide’s most famous graduate Lord Howard Florey.

Dr Osei-Kumah is recognised nationally and internationally for her work which has won her numerous awards. She is expected to be one of Australia’s future leaders in respiratory and reproductive research. Her work is focussed on improving the care of pregnant asthmatic women by understanding what causes the disease to worsen during pregnancy.

Annette is poised to identify why asthma worsens with pregnancy and what is needed to improve or prevent the poor outcomes observed in this population of pregnant women. The findings of her work will also have wider implications for obstetric care both nationally and internationally.

Dr Osei-Kumah has distinguished herself for her warm friendly disposition, her commitment to her work and her academic productivity. She has contributed significantly to the wider scientific community through her work as reviewer of peer review journals and being part of organising committee for scientific meetings.

She has membership of a number of professional bodies including (Endocrine Society of Australia, International Federation of Placenta Association, Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand just to name a few).

When she is not at her circular work, Dr Osei-Kumah continues to serve society by being involved as volunteer in a number of community events and church activities. She enjoys spending time with her family and always delights those around her with her excellent hospitality and culinary skills.

Awards & Achievements

International Award New Investigator Award, Awarded by the International Federation of Placental Associations (IFPA) at annual scientific meeting, USA, 2004
National Award Asthma Foundation of NSW Biomedical and Medical Postgraduate Scholarship, 2002 -2005

Institutional Prizes Finalist, Best of the Best Research Showcase, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, 2007
Best Oral Presentation, Awarded by the University of Newcastle, Faculty of Health at graduate students day 2004
International Travel Award
Y.W Loke and International Federation of Placenta Association, Adelaide, 2009
Lincoplex Research Inc, USA, 2006
Y.W Loke and International Federation of Placenta Association, USA, 2004
National Travel Award
Endocrine Society of Australia, 2009
Endocrine Society of Australia, 2005
Kimberly Clark Pty Australia, 2004

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Sharon Orapeleng is a high achieving and inspiring woman from Botswana. She came to Australia almost 14 years ago to study for a degree in Behavioural Sciences, majoring in psychology and neuro-science at Latrobe University. She also holds a postgraduate diploma and a master in Behaviour Management from Bond University where she has specialized in autism spectrum disorders. Sharon also received training to practice as a neuro-therapist from the Neurotherapy Institute of Australasia.

She has worked for both government and non-government organizations including Disability Services with Intensive Behaviour Support team before joining the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) managing a community development project. Sharon also worked for Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre (QTMHC) coordinating mental health literacy project including supervising team of Bilingual Mental Health Promoters across the State.

Currently Sharon has been involved in establishing a national project called Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (MHiMA), which provides national focus for advice and support to providers and governments on mental health and suicide prevention for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. She is also an accredited Adult Mental Health First Aid instructor.

As a very active community person, Sharon has been a member of different committees including the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Committee. She is the current Vice President of the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC) an umbrella body for African community organisations and African individuals residing in Queensland. Amongst Sharon’s list of achievements, she was featured in a tribute gallery “Everyday women, extraordinary lives” by the Qld Government- Office of Women’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day for her contribution to the community.

Besides her work and roles in different committees she is also doing motivational talks for young women and is also collaborating with Brisbane City Council libraries giving talks on African literature. Sharon’s passion for community work also extends to her home country Botswana; she is the international director of Semphete Orphan Care Centre, which her family started in 2007 based in Good Hope, Botswana. The centre is a not-for profit organisation and is currently providing support to 63 orphaned and vulnerable children and youth.

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Dr Lillian Mwanri is the Course Coordinator Master of Health and International Development at the Flinders University of South Australia. She is a renowned Public Health Physician (FAFPHM) with extensive experience in a wide range of public health issues. She completed her PhD conducting and analysing a randomised controlled trial designed to investigate a range of health impacts of micronutrient supplements in anaemic and disadvantaged children in resource poor schools. She has worked with CALD migrants in Australia to address various health issues including poor dietary patterns and physical inactivity. Her experience and interest in migration and public health medicine has seen her conducting additional research activity in healthy ageing, adaptation to climate change and other health and social issues in CALD migrants. She has close collaborations with many CALD communities and organisations across Australia and has worked in the government institutions including SA Health. She chairs several committees related to migration, public health and chronic disease including HIV/AIDS.

As Course Coordinator, Master of Health and International Development, Flinders University of South Australia, Lilian is responsibilities include: Teaching, Research, PhD Student Supervision, Master of Health and International Development (MHID) course Coordination and Professional and Community Engagement. Lecture topics include: Primary Health Care in Developing Countries, Health Promotion Integrating into Practice and Public Health Practice Development.

Research interests are: Chronic Disease, Mental Health, Healthy Ageing, Epidemiology, Migration and Public Health, Communicable Disease, Health Promotion and Primary Health Care.

Work History:

2003 to 2009: Epidemiologist, OzFoodNet Program, a joint venture between the Australian Department of Health and Ageing and the Communicable Disease Control Branch, SA Health
2001-2003- Research Fellow: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School (Incorporating the South Australian Centre for Rural and Remote Health (SACRRH) and the Adelaide University Rural Clinical School (AURC)Adelaide, South Australia
1994-98: Manager and Medical Officer. Ministry of Health, Dar- Es- Salaam, Tanzania
Adviser to UNICEF, WHO, Save the Children Fund to implement Health and Health Promotion programs in Schools in Tanzania

Community Engagements:

The African Communities Council of South Australia , Public Health Medical Consultant
African Leaders Forum a collaboration between Relationship Australia and, Public Health medical Consultant
The South Australian CALD HIV Interagency Project (CHIP) Coordinating Committee.
CALD Women Advisory Forum, PEACE Multicultural Program, Relationships Australia, SA- Public Health Medical Consultant
African Community Leaders Social and Health Forum, PEACE Multicultural program, Relationship Australia, SA- Public Health Medical Consultant
Flinders University School of Medicine International Committee
Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia’s Women’s Committee
Australian Tanzanian Services Foundation Inc- Secretary
School Of Medicine International program Committee(SOMIP), Flinders

Current Research Projects:

Suicide in African Communities: Chief Investigator
African Youths of South Australia, Stop Binge Drinking, Chief investigator with the African Communities council of South Australia
Physical activity and nutrition among African migrants in South Australia. A quantitative and qualitative study. In collaboration with the African Communities Council of South Australia
Studies of Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and cholesteatoma in newly arrived refugees in South Australia. A collaborative initiative with the Migrant Health Services
The health and wellbeing of populations ageing in a new culture: the case of African migrants in Adelaide, South Australia. In collaboration with the African Communities Council of South Australia)
Measuring Community Resilience. A 2011-2012 National Emergency Management Project (Project NP 112-0015).A project to develop a community tool to assess resilience in the face of major disasters or emergency
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations (CALD) Climate Change Adaptation Project. A collaborative research to study how CALD population adapt to climate change in Australia.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

2010-Fellowship- the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (FAFPHM) - Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)
2001-Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-The University of Adelaide, Australia
1994-Master of Community Nutrition (MCN) -The University of Queensland, Australia
1991- Doctor of Medicine (MD

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Congratulation to Sheron, finalist 2011 Miss World Australia beauty pageant and finalist 2012 Miss Universe Australia beauty pageant representing NSW .

Sheron is among the '100 most influential African-Australians" honoured at our National Awards event, Sydney Opera House, 25th of August 2012.

Sheron Sultan, a South African / Mozambican as well as Australian, is among the 2011 Miss World Australia finalists and NSW state finalist for the 2012 Miss Universe Australia. She is an experienced model in runway, TV commercials and a motivational speaker. Also, Sheron is a HR student, part time model and a full time worker for a law firm.

Sheron says that: "Coming to Australia opened up a lot of hidden opportunities for me such as; modeling, exploring different cultures, flexible education and working allowance at a young age (independence) the greatest challenge was trying to fit in as an individual and maintaining my true identity. I have been living in Australia for 9 years yet still im proud to say, I still have my traditional culture within me and also adopted the multicultural culture in Australia, I am compassionate, trustworthy, self motivated and persistent."

Sheron moved to Australia at the age of 14 with her family settled and became Australian citizen. Her goals include: to work with professional people, to gain more skills, to become a positive icon in Australia and internationally encouraging young woman especially woman of colour to pursue their dreams. "I would like to be Etiquette and Deportment mentor, motivational speaker/ public speaker" says Sheron.

Beauty Pageant history:

2011- Sheron was given an opportunity to be one of the Miss World Australia finalists which was held in Melbourne in August. When asked why she entered? Sheron says "Apart from winning the title and representing Australia in the internationals, I wanted to gain more knowledge about everything involved in the Pageant world, meeting new people and educating myself about other cultures and personalities. Being a role model for all woman especially woman of colour." ..."Did I gain anything? I gained so much, I discovered different options for a career, I learned about Etiquette and Deportment which I adopted to be a part of me—advising others how carry themselves in an elegant, respectful manner. This opportunity opened up so many doors for me like encouraging young Indigenous woman to pursue their dreams, teaching them about etiquette and deportment."

In 2012, Sheron was a NSW state finalist for Miss Universe Australia. When asked why she entered the Miss Universe contest, Sheron says: "I entered for the same reason as Miss World Australia but this time I wanted to evaluate what I had learned from the last pageant lesson. My aim is to coach, encourage young woman who are passionate about Pageantry that it’s not really about winning, it’s about discovering yourself and allowing yourself to show people who are. Taking it as lesson/challenge learning from others and teaching them what you know."

Also in 2012, Sheron was appointed to be a mentor for Indigenous teenagers in Le Perouse by imodel supported by NASCA. Duties include: conducting a three day workshop for 10 young girls which covers: etiquette, deportment, self acceptance, how to work as team and walk on the runway. On the last day, Sheron organized a fashion show inviting all their parents and presenting them certificates.

Achievements in 2012:

Guest Judge- Miss Africa Perth 2012,
Interview with the founder of Ribbon of Africa. Ribbon of Africa is an organization that encourages and empower the African spirit of community in all forms on an ever-growing, diverse, worldwide scale.
Participated in Vibe Wire Fast Break , an innovative non-profit youth organization providing media, arts ect to motivational speakers. On a topic about RAGE, Sheron spoke about sticking to your true IDENTITY sharing her life experiences, challenges she faced in Australia and how she dealt with them.
Appointed to be a mentor for Indigenous teenagers in Le Perouse by imodel supported by NASCA.

Achievements in 2011:

Wrote a poem about Australia.
Miss World Australia finalist 2011- Melbourne Cq functions.
Published in Afriqan Times Magazine and featured on the front cover of the Magazine including 2 spread sheet interview.

Participated in Fashion Garden party by NIVEA and ROAR Charity fashion show featuring Swarovski diamond bikini.
Featured in: KEA commercial, MX paper promoting ROAR Charity event, Variety Charity event- Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway - vintage car (1968 Fiat Sport featuring Australian movie Dealing with Destiny – promoting and selling raffle tickets.
Participated in Variety Charity function CQ Melbourne- Hosting and ushering guests.

Participated in Fashion Palette ( PETA) body painted as a Zebra.
Attended a runway class at the Fashion Palette Circus ft Sydney fashion designer Anaessi
Participated in the Sydney Hair Expo – New Zealand stylist Mana Dave – Blaze; Black and White Party Charity Event Violence against Woman featuring fashion designer Nicola Finetti; Tiaki - Fun Fashion Philanthropy charity event featuring t Show Pony designer;
Sheron as featured in a photographic work for the Australian Leather website for Ugg boots by Carlos Velasco; Photographic work for Myra Tavan & Co fashion designer – Raffles College Sydney NSW.

Achievements in 2010:

Served as a posing manikin, Amazon theme for the Fashion Palette Ft Sydney fashion designer Valerie Jaquat

Other achievements include:

2007- Worked with Momentum make-up and fragrance.
2008- Amy Taylor Collections Runway.
2007- Prints for Cloud Nine Hair & Beauty Salon.
2005- Runway show for Ubuntu AIDS Fundraiser.
2004- First TV appearance – Superman – American credit card – Fuji Xerox Japan- Outback steak house- and many more.

Sheron says that "To become successful is not based on how much you have in the bank or how many fans like your face book page. To me its self improvement, growth, manifesting, affirmation, fearless and taking risks, using any information you have experienced it could be negative it could be positive they all useful, it’s how you interpret the message in your mind and put it into action."

Congratulation to Gracia for her appointment as the "Welcome to Australia Ambassador" and the 2012 Refugee Week Ambassador.

Gracia is among the young leaders honoured at our National Awards event, Sydney Opera House, 25th of August 2012.

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Tshibanda Gracia Ngoy, 20 years old, is a Congolese-born Australian who arrived under the Humanitarian Visas Program in July 2005 who strives to better the lives of people around her and in particular youth from refugee backgrounds.

She’s currently studying a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies, and Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Wollongong, majoring in International Media and Communications, and Human Resources Management.

Gracia completed a freelance journalism course at the age of 16 and has since had several articles published on social justice and youth related issues, and her first book on success aiming to empower young people.

She’s an active member of her community and has received numerous awards and recognitions including the 2008 and 2009 Australian Defence Force Long Tan leadership and Teamwork Award, 2010 NSW CRC Young Volunteer of the Year, 2010 Wollongong Young Citizen of the Year, 2011 Australia’s Young People’s Human Rights Award, and was named Woman of the Week by Hoopla in December 2011.

Gracia has worked as a: caseworker for refugee families, radio co-host for a community station in Wollongong, youth motivational speaker, and member of the Illawarra Regional Advisory Council (IRAC), NSW Multicultural Youth Network (MYN), Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families (SCARF), and Co-Administrative Director for the Voice of Hope International Ministries based in Uganda advocating for those who have been silenced by poverty and injustices.

In recognition of Gracia's outstanding achievements in Australia, she has been appointed as the Welcome to Australia Ambassador: http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/a_more.php?pid=834 and the 2012 Refugee Week Ambassador: http://www.refugeeweek.org.au/ambassadors.php

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Congratulation to Daniel for his appointment as the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement by the South Sudanese Government.

Daniel is among the "100 most influential African-Australians" honoured at our National Awards event, Sydney Opera House, 25th of August 2012.

Mr Daniel Zingifuaboro is among the 40 local champions appointed by the Australian Prime Minister as the 2012 People of Australia Ambassadors.

Daniel was born in Sudan and migrated to Australia in 2001. He has qualifications in International Business, Social Science and Law. He is currently Executive Director of ACCES Services Inc., an organisation providing settlement and employment services to migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants. He is directly responsible for settlement services, human resources, finance and administration and customer services.

Daniel sits on the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council, Multicultural Community Ministerial Advisory Committee, National Multicultural Reference Group, Human Right Reference Group, Police Ethnic Advisory Group, Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, among others.

He received the 2008 Queensland Multicultural Award for refugee services. He has also been awarded two volunteer awards including the 2009 Rankin Australian Day Award and the 2009 Queensland Day Volunteer Award.

Daniel is the President of Queensland African Communities Council, an African peak body that represent the common interest of African residing in Queensland.

Daniel also was awarded Disaster Hero Medal in recognition of his community initiative, bravery and strength during the 2010-2011 Queensland floods.

Daniel values a society which recognises, celebrates and maintains different cultures. In a multicultural society, all citizens enjoy civic equality, based on the recognition of group difference within the public sphere of laws, policies, democratic discourses, shared citizenship and national identity. A multicultural nation is a peaceful nation because members feel valued, welcomed, connected regardless of natural difference.

Daniel has been appointed as the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement in the South Sudanese Government and he leaves in June 2012 for Africa to take up the role.

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INDUCTION INTO THE UN WOMEN HALL OF FAME

Dr Casta Tungaraza, a Tanzanian, joined the Murdoch University’s Politics Department as a Research Fellow and later was appointed as the University’s Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Manager. She is also the Director of the Australian Academy of Race Relations at Murdoch University.

In 2011 she was nominated as one of the Western Australian Patrons for the Centenary of the International Women’s Day Celebrations.

In addition, Casta is the founding member of the African Women’s Council of Australia. Also, she is the former Chairperson of the African Community in WA, the President of the Tanzanian Community in WA, and she is currently an Executive Member of the Federation of the African Communities Council of Australia (FACC).

Casta has served and continues to serve on a number of Government Advisory Boards for more than ten years – such as the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council (Federal), the Western Australian Citizenship and Multicultural Advisory Council (WACMAC), the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia’s New and Emerging Communities Policy Advisory Committee (National), and the WA Government’s Anti-racism Strategy Steering Group.

She is a member of the WA’s Multicultural Advisory Group to the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests.

Casta is currently the Director of the Australian Institute of Kiswahili Language and African Culture. She speaks five languages and takes interest in cultural diversity matters.

Casta has been inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame by the UN Women Australia (formerly United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)).

In addition, Casta was presented with an Individual Excellence Award at the Western Australian Multicultural Community Service Awards 2012 by the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli. This State honour was to recognise Casta's exceptional work towards empowering culturally and linguistically diverse communities, combating racism and promoting human rights.

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SECRET MILLIONAIRE AND PHILANTHROPIST

Nadia Taylor, an Egyptian-Australian is one of the richest African women in Australia. See profile below.

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Nadia is the Co-founder and Director of tna.

tna is a global leader in the food packaging and processing industry. It spans 24 countries, employs 165 staff, and turnover was forecast to reach $80 million in 2010. Nadia is the founder who encouraged and persisted with establishing the company, having started from her kitchen at home with a dream. With no tertiary education, but a determination to work hard and never give up, she was instrumental in developing the business globally. In 1992 she was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Nadia is active in the strategy and running of the business. Her role encompasses Public Relations, Business Development, building tna’s Global Customer Relationship, as well as the management of tna’s extensive philanthropic program.

Nadia’s working life commenced working in an engineering based company followed by 10 years in the snack food industry prior to establishing tna.

Nadia and her husband Alf Taylor appeared in series 2 of channel 9’s hit television show The Secret Millionaire.

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MEET DR. SAMUEL M. MAKINDA -- A FOREMOST COUNTER-TERRORISM EXPERT

Legend: Dr SAMUEL M. MAKINDA is Professor of Politics and International Studies and the Chair of Security, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies at Murdoch University in Perth.

He was a member of the Australian Foreign Minister’s National Consultative Committee on International Security Issues from 2001 to 2008. He is also a member of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

Professor Makinda previously worked with the Foreign Affairs Group in the Parliamentary Research Service at the Australian Federal Parliament in 1980s, where he briefed Members of House of Representatives, Senators, Ministers and Parliamentary Committees on various international security issues, including US-Soviet relations and arms control.

Professor Makinda has been awarded the medal of Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear by the President of Kenya.

African-Australians appointed as People of Australia Ambassadors

We congratulate the under listed African-Australians appointed by the Australian Prime Minister as the 2012 People of Australia Ambassadors.

The Ambassadors were among the 40 local champions who have been recognised for the real impact they are having on the lives of many Australians.

The new Ambassadors will be able to provide advice to Government and the Australian Multicultural Council.

Their contributions will help assist and strengthen the Government’s multicultural policy.

We are proud to announce that some of these distinguished African-Australians are among the “100 Most Influential African-Australians” who received Awards at our National Awards event which took place at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, 25^th of August 2012.

You are invited to sponsor and attend this year's event. Please browse through this website for more information about us and how you can participate.

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Ms Dorinda Hafner

Ms Dorinda Hafner is a multi-talented Ghanaian Australian who entertains and educates people as celebrity chef, author, entrepreneur and as both a radio and television personality. Ms Hafner’s contributions were recognised in 2011 when she was awarded the African Australian Woman of the Year Award and the Excellence Award in Media and Community Services... Ms Hafner was also awarded a Bronze Medal for Best Television Program at the World Food Media Awards in 1997 and 1999.

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Mrs Elleni Bereded-Samuel

Mrs Elleni Bereded-Samuel has focused her life’s work strengthening education, training and employment for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. Mrs Bereded-Samuel was appointed a Director of the SBS for five years from 2009. She is also a Director of the Western Health and chair of the Cultural Diversity and Community Advisory Committee. Currently, Mrs Bereded-Samuel works for Victoria University as a Community Engagement Advisor and Coordinator.

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Mr Ahmed Dini

Mr Ahmed Dini arrived in Australia from Somalia in 1996. Mr Dini was among the young leaders who formed the Australian Somali Football Association in 2010. He is also very involved in the Sustainable Employment and Economic Development (SEED) Project across the Western Region of Melbourne and was chair of the community-based youth network Socially Active Youth Group Organisation (Saygo) to take unemployment and education issues faced by his community. Mr Dini had a troubled youth but he now works as a community Youth Worker helping young kids build successful lives. His contribution to the community has been recognised and he is currently a finalist for the 2012 Local Hero of the Year Award. Mr Dini was named the Moonee Valley Youth Citizen of the Year in 2006, nominated as Youth Muslim of the Year in 2007 and awarded the Victoria Police Community Participation Award in 2008.

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Mr David Nyuol Vincent

Mr David Nyuol Vincent fled Sudan when he was about 5 years old and lived in a refugee camp for 18 years. He was one of the thousands of ‘lost’ children who participated in the conflict in the Sudan. He arrived in Australia in 2004 and completed a BA double major in Political Science & Criminology at University of Melbourne. He has extensive experience working with young people in community development and family support and is currently employed as a Community Liaison Officer for the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) in Melbourne.

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Mr Daniel Zingifuaboro

Since arriving from the Sudan in 2001, Mr Daniel Zingifuaboro has earned qualifications in international business, social science and law. He is a member of several advisory councils including the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council and is chair of the Queensland African Communities Council. Mr Zingifuaboro is the Executive Director of ACCES Services Inc. (Assisting Collaborative Community Employment Support and Services, Inc.).

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Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai

Mr Fayia Isaiah Lahai arrived in Tasmania in November 2006 after fleeing Sierra Leone and spending 14 years in a refugee camp in Guinea. Mr Lahai has become deeply involved with his new community in Hobart, as a student at the University of Tasmania, founding member of the African Communities Council of Tasmania, former chair of the Sierra Leone and Liberia community, and serving on the Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs. He and his wife have four children, two of whom were born in Australia.

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YOUNG HEROES & LEADERS

Some of these young African-Australian leaders were honoured at our National Awards event that took place on the 25th of August 2012 at the Sydney Opera House.

We will appreciate if you could become a sponsor for this year's event. Click here to see your sponsorship benefits.

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Chelsea Sandys Silikivai became the youngest person in Australia to receive a Community Service Award for her brave actions in coming to her mother’s rescue. She was just 4 years and 10 months old.

After her mother unexpectedly collapsed, Chelsea quickly and calmly used her mother’s phone to call her father, who called triple-zero.She saved her mother’s life, and impressed emergency workers and her family with her mature and quick thinking manner.

At just four years old, Chelsea showed great courage and maturity. Chelsea calmly followed her father’s instructions, got a glass of water and put a wet cloth on her mum’s face while she waited for emergency services to arrive. After calling her father, Chelsea got ready for the ambulance ride while watching over her 15 month old sister Charlotte

On January 22nd 2009 Chelsea became Young Citizen of the Year and received an award for her bravery and initiative. She also received the NSW Premier's Community Service Award for Bravery in 2008.

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Khadija Gbla is a volunteer at Multicultural Youth South Australia Inc (MYSA) and has been recruited as a multicultural youth researcher to participate in MYSA’s action research project on newly arrived young people and public space.

In 2010, Khadija represented Australia at the Harvard National Model United Nations. This role saw Khadija travelling the United States and participating in international negotiations and debates with other delegates from around the world to an audience of distinguished speakers and members of the United Nations.

Khadija has been recognised with numerous awards in community services, one of which includes the 2009 Premier’s Channel Nine Young Achiever of the Year award. Khadija is currently the Premiers/Channel Nine Young Achiever of the year (2009) and Channel Nine Young Achiever’s RAA Driving Force Leadership Award (2009).

She is also a recipient of the Pride of Australia Young Leader Medal, 2009 South Australia’s Women’s Honour Roll Award, 2011 Young African Australian of the Year Award, Youth Award for the city of Charles Sturt and Multicultural Youth SA, Australian Electoral Commission Ambassador and finally, Australian nominee for the Mary Robinson Young Activist Award.

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Nyadol Nyuon, 23, arrived in Australia in 2005 after being in a refugee camp for some time Currently she is a law student at the University of Melbourne and has completed an Arts degree (Victoria University).

Since arriving in Australia, she has worked to increase awareness of issues affecting the lives of African Australian youth. Some of the organizations she has worked with include, Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, Oxfam Australian , The African Think Tank , The Centre for African- Australian Women Issues and others. She has also presented at conferences and forums on issues impacting the settlement of African- Youth in Victoria and Australia in general. She is a published author of several papers and articles.

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Tim Omaji, better known by his stage name Timomatic, is an Australian pop/R&B singer, songwriter and dancer. Timomatic rose to fame as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance (Australia) in 2009 and placed seventh in the competition. In 2011, he appeared as a contestant on the fifth season of Australia's Got Talent and was placed third. Later that year, Timomatic signed to Sony Music Australia, and released his debut single "Set It Off" in November 2011. The single reached number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

In October 2011, Timomatic served as a supporting act for American rapper Flo Rida's Australian tour.On 17 November, it was announced that Timomatic had signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. On 24 November, he was a support act for American hip hop group Salt-n-Pepa's Australian concert at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney.

Timomatic's debut single "Set It Off" was released on 25 November.Timomatic co-wrote "Set It Off" with production team DNA Songs, who also produced the song. The single peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for selling 70,000 digital copies."Set It Off" has also appeared on the New Zealand Singles Chart at number 14. On 12 January 2012, it was announced that Timomatic has signed a global publishing deal with EMI.

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Neo Pitso was born in South Africa and moved to Australia in 2004. He has been involved in many community projects mainly dealing with music and has received numerous awards for his contributions:

Australian Defence Force Award for Leadership Caltex Award for Leadership Josiah Mitton Award for Outstanding Student Overall plus many more.

In the field of music he has supported many famous artists and is on demand. He has supported: Jessica Mauboy, The Game, Nas, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Tila Tequila, Cassidy, DJ Drama, Montel Jordan, Chingy and many more across Australia.

He has also performed across Australia at various Miss Africa beauty pageants. A song he wrote in 2005 was promoted in every school in South Australia to warn young people about the dangers of smoking. In 2006 he was sponsored by Channel 9 for a documentary which was about his journey with his music so far. Channel 9 also sponsored a music video for Neo.

In 2010 his old university Flinders University used him in a campaign to lure prospective students to the university. Neo helped the university make an advert which

has since been viewed on television across South Australia, Queensland and Victoria . In 2011 the Governor of South Australia awarded him a 'highly commended' award for his excellence in the field of music.

Neo has performed more than 200 times since he arrived in Australia in front of a variety of venues, including schools, clubs, charities, stadiums, theatres, halls, libraries, night clubs, youth centres, festivals etc

Neo is an example of a self-driven and highly motivated individual who is dedicated to his music and aspires to leave a lasting legacy in the music industry.

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Majak Daw (born 11 March 1991, in Khartoum, Sudan) is a professional Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League (AFL). Daw and his family in Australia are refugees from the civil wars in Sudan. Daw became the first Sudanese Australian to be drafted to an AFL club when he was contracted to the North Melbourne Football Club in the 2009 AFL Draft. Daw's drafting gained international attention: it was reported by the BBC and the Voice of America. Daw made his first appearance for North Melbourne in an NAB Cup match on 20 February 2011. Daw signed a new contract at the end of the 2011 season that will keep him at the North Melbourne Football Club for 2 more years.

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Suzan Mutesi Mufumbiro , the fashion icon behind the label, Achea-Mpong.

Her love for fashion began as a little girl playing with African fibre dolls and dressing her friends’ dolls using only the scraps from are old clothing. She endeavoured to make extraordinary yet inexpensive clothes for dolls, played with a lot of colours, mixed and matched outfits, and styled up my friends’ and sisters for occasion. After making the move to Australia to complete High school, her passion only grew stronger. She taught herself only the basics of design, such as alterations and mending torn clothes on a sewing machine. She knew that to be recognised as a designer. she needed to further develop her skills from garment construction to sewing and pattern making. She was soon accepted into one of Australia’s top-ranked design institutions, Raffles KvB Institute of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Design majoring in Fashion.

With dreams to own a recognised, international label, Achea-Mpong by Mutesi was born in 2009. Influenced by her African roots and by rich fabrics, by the subtle, soft beauty of women and by sensuality, she began producing and designing clothes that depict traditional African culture with a medley of Westernised technology. She aims to make designs appending a cultural twirl in style thus making them unique in Australian market as featured her collection. The key to her continuous success is her keen understanding of making a woman look and feel a million dollars. She has designed dresses on X-Factor Australia 2011, Charlotte Dawson a judge on Australia‘s Top model wore her dress for a commercial on Foxtel.

Suzan Mutesi is also fond of supporting Charities for a good cause. She has helped raise money for schools in Rwanda and the 'Wear your heart Charity' to raise money for schools in Ghana. On the 2nd of July, her French African lace silver dress featured in the OK magazine Australia. Mutesi was nominated for an award by Celebrate African Australian Talent as a Fashion Icon and will be showcasing her new collection on the 25th of August at the Opera house.She recently also has featured in Change Magazine and African Times Magazine. It's clear that Mutesi is growing closer to her dream everyday.

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Youth worker Asha Saad Saleh has been described by the management of Jesuit Social Services as "one of our organization’s best assets

Asha was the 2011 African Australian Young Leaders Awards Winner and works to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential by partnering with the community.

Eritrean Asha Saleh has been a full time worker with JESUIT SOCIAL SERVICES for three years. Asha helps run the Jesuit’s African Programs based at the heart of the target group in Flemington, St Albans and Heidelberg. The project operates in active partnership with local Horn of Africa community organisations and builds capacity for many of the African organisations active in the area. She is central to the success of the project.

Among the projects successfully initiated and implemented by Asha alongside the Jesuit’s team includes: The Workplace Development Program (WDP), this is a work placement program for skilled African migrants who have been unable to find work in Australia organized by Jesuit Social Services in collaboration with the National Australian Bank. In fact, several African Australians who have completed the program have gone on to secure ongoing employment with the National Australian Bank .

Also, Asha Saleh came up with the idea for a delightful new story book called A is for Aunty and Z is for Zigni: An alphabet book of African stories, now being used in some institutions in Victoria. Asha was among the best Australia Youth Workers specially selected to meet with Prince William at Government House when he visited Victoria. Asha is currently an official Ambassador for AFL team, The North Melbourne Kangaroos.

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Fofo Folly, aka "MaxiBoy", a Togolese, is the 2011 Young African Australian Movie Producer of the Year Award.

He is an active singer / dancer, and self-employed music producer and filmmaker.

Fofo has established a small business providing audio-visual services to other African youth and has participated in many community based projects as a participant, team leader and mentor.

Fofo has produced two short films on issues facing African refugee youth and is an active member of the Togolese community.

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Mike Champion singer, songwriter, performer and recording artist, was born in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia on the 2nd December 1983.

Of South African descent this young star was born only a year after his parents immigrated to Australia. At an early age it became apparent to his parents that Mike had a natural ability to sing, dance and captivate just about any audience with his raw talent. At the age of eight Mike joined a band with his sisters and began rapping as “Micky C” as at various nightclubs around Sydney.

Upon coming of age, Mike began performing (legally!) his original music household name in the local urban music scene, Mike Champion has shared stages with the likes of Akon, TPain, Bobby Valentino,Boyz II Men, Flo‐Rida, KCi and JoJo, Horace Brown, Kid Cudi, Rashaan Patterson, Teddy Riley and Blackstreet as well as local icons Scarlett Belle, Short Stack, K1, Gary Pinto, Don Dolla, Selwyn and the Killa Queenz. Mike also works with under-privileged youth on various programs and is one of the few artists who, to this day, has remained true to his art and, more importantly, to himself.

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Dean Stanley Geyer is a South-African born-Australian singer-songwriter and actor who came third in the 2006 season of the talent contest Australian Idol, and currently portrays Reynolds in Terra Nova.

Within weeks after the series finale of Australian Idol, Dean signed an exclusive recording contract with SonyBMG in 2006. Dean released his first single, "If You Don't Mean It" which premiered on radio stations on 5 April 2007. The single was released to iTunes on 5 May 2007. The single peaked on the ARIA Charts at number 10. The album, recorded in early February, was released on 26 May 2007.

Dean released his debut album, Rush on 26 May 2007. The album peaked at number 7 on the ARIA Charts. In late 2007, Dean toured as a supporting act across Australia for ARIA Award-Winning music duo The Veronicas on there "Hook Me Up" tour. He would later appear in the duo's music video for "This Love", playing the love interest of Lisa Origliasso his then fiancée.

In November 2007, Ten Network announced Dean has signed on to become a series regular on the long-time running Australian Soap Opera, Neighbours. Dean Geyer made his acting and Neighbours debut on 27 March 2008. He portrays the role of Ty Harper, a law-school dropout and aspiring musician. On the 19 May 2008 episode, Geyer performed a duet with Neighbours Co-Star, Caitlin Stasey which their characters Rachel and Ty performed at the Erinsborough High School Formal. The song became a cult success and reached the ARIA download charts at number 40. Despite a series favorite, Geyer left the series during the first half of 2009 to concentrate his music career.

In June 2010, Dean was announced to make his film debut in the Action Drama film Never Back Down 2. He will star alongside MMA fighter, Scott Epstein with Actor Michael Jai White to make his directional debut. Filming took place in September 2010 and wrapped in November. The film is set for a 13 September 2011 release.

Dean Geyer can currently be seen in "Terra Nova" and the film "Never Back Down 2".

Awards:

2004 Won TREV Awards (Tertiary Recreation Entertainment Victoria) Best Acoustic Act James Dean (Dean Geyer's Band)
2007 Won Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards Fave Hottie
2009 Nominated Logie Awards of 2009 Most Popular New Male Talent Neighbours
2006 TV Guide Australia's "Hottest Guys on Television"
2006 POPrepublic.tvm "Male Hottie of 2006"

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Faustina Agolley is an Australian television presenter best known for her role as the host of long running Australian music program Video Hits on Channel 10. She was also the host of late night game and gadget review program Cybershack and is a graduate from the University of Melbourne and RMIT University.

Faustina's father is a Ghanian and her mother is a Chinese Malaysian. Faustina completed two degrees across three Universities – a joint degree in Media & Communication and Geography at the University of Melbourne and Sydney University as well as Media Studies with a major in television and social science at RMIT University.

While completing her University degrees, Faustina also worked as a model in Melbourne and Sydney. Faustina was the face of Bonds and appeared in the campaign alongside Miranda Kerr. She also worked as a researcher for The Great Outdoors and worked on set of kids’ program Hi-5

Faustina was the host of Australia’s most watched music program Video Hits for five years where she interviewed some of the world’s biggest artists including the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Adele, Jack White, Muse, Green Day, Rihanna, Dave Grohl, John Paul Jones, Sinead O'Connor and Neil Finn.

Faustina also hosted live events for Video Hits from Australia’s major capital cities and the Make Poverty History Concert where U2 and Pearl Jam made a surprise performance.

Faustina traveled the world for Video Hits giving the first Australian TV interview with Adele and Florence and The Machine in London in 2009, The Black Eyed Peas upon the release of their LP, The End in Paris in as well as Muse upon the release of The Resistance, in Lake Como. Faustina also covered interviews in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Tokyo and Stockholm

Faustina is the ambassador for the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, a foundation that aims to help close the indigenous literacy gap. Faustina is also patron of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has been the supporter of Girls’ Night In, World Environment Day, Coastcare, Together.com and Reconciliation Australia.

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Daniel Okoduwa is a Nigerian born actor, writer, singer, producer cum movie director.

Born and having grown up in the ancient city of Benin where art is tied to tradition and customs, he has lived most of his life in Australia.

Although, his name may not ring a bell in the Nigerian movie industry having spent more than 10 years abroad, Daniel has suddenly become a budding talent to seek out for, courtesy of Gossip Nation, the latest movie that is currently enjoy rave review in the media.

His knack for high profile job was what led him in 2004 to team up with director Matthew Scott to produce the first African Australian film titled Death is a Diamond, a film that tells of the pain Africans were going through from conflict or blood diamonds.

In 2009 Daniel Okoduwa was invited by the prestigious Australian Centre for Photography (Nollywood Babylon) to lecture and contribute his unique perspective on Nigerian films and the context in which they are produced.

Love Lost and Temptation, a movie written and produced by Daniel Okoduwa was voted the m o s t watched afro Australian movie of all time. In May 2010 the movie was screened to a predominantly white Australian audience at the North Sydney community centre.

In 2010 Daniel who had worked with such international acts as Chaka Demus and Pliers, while on the set of young talented director Mike, music video shoots, asked Kang to direct a new African Australian movie, Gossip Nation, for him.

And today the Gossip Nation, which he claimed to be his most challenging film yet, has launched him into the league of Nigeria’s most gifted filmmaker in Diaspora. The movie featured Nigerian movie stars, Monalisa Chinda and Ejike Asiegbu.

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Dr Joseph Masika

We join the African communities in Australia and the South Australian Government in congratulating Dr Joseph Masika for his well deserved appointment as a Commissioner in the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission.

Joseph, the 2011 African Man of the Year Award winner, is the Chairperson of the African Communities Council of South Australia. For more information about Joseph, please download the attached biography.